New ferry under construction in Florida

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Governor Bob Ferguson announced recently that Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on Washington’s first new ferry in 11 years, an important milestone in his pledge to reform and rebuild Washington’s ferry system. The occasion will be marked by a ceremonial steel cutting event today at Eastern’s shipyard in Panama City, Fla., to begin construction of the first new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferry.

The state contracted with Eastern to build two new ferries, with an option for a third vessel. Ferguson also announced today that he is exercising that option to bring a third new ferry to Washington’s waters.

When he took office in 2025, Governor Ferguson inherited a ferry system in crisis. Washington’s fleet is aging, with 11 ferries over 40 years old, and one that’s 67. In 2015, Washington had 25 vessels. By 2025, we were down to 21 due to vessel retirements. Our ferry system needs 26 vessels to operate effectively into the future.

Before Governor Ferguson took office, cancellations were high, and crew retention was flagging. Governor Ferguson has prioritized rebuilding our ferry system, including working with the Legislature to preserve funding for these three new vessels.

Preliminary 3-D-renderings of the outboard profile for the new hybrid-electric 160-auto-capacity ferry.
Design by Elliott Bay Design Group. 

Ferries are an essential part of the Puget Sound’s transportation system. They are a lifeline to Washington’s island communities. Washingtonians rely on our ferries to get to work, school and appointments. They are also an essential part of Washington tourism, most recently playing a pivotal role in moving World Cup travelers around Puget Sound.

Washington State Ferries leadership joined representatives from Eastern today in Florida for the ceremonial steel cutting ceremony marking the start of construction. Governor Ferguson had planned to attend, but canceled his trip due to the state’s devastating wildfires.

“After years of design and procurement, today’s steel cutting marks an exciting moment where all of the planning becomes visible progress,” said Steve Nevey, WSF Deputy Secretary of Transportation.

“These new hybrid-electric ferries will help us restore the reliability and resilience our customers depend on while building a cleaner, more modern fleet for the future. We are pleased to move forward with Eastern Shipbuilding Group and look forward to delivering these vessels to the people of Washington.”

There was a competitive bidding process for who would construct these new vessels. There were two bidders, Eastern, and a Washington state bidder. In July 2025, Governor Ferguson selected Eastern, whose bid was more than 30% lower than the alternative bidder.

Selecting Eastern saved Washington state taxpayers approximately $360 million.

Under the contract, Eastern will build three ferries for $714.5 million. There are additional costs for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, WSF crew training, and risk contingencies. This brings the total cost of the three vessels to $1.15 billion. This is considerably less than the $1.3 billion appropriated by the legislature.

Eastern is scheduled to deliver the first boat in 2030, the second boat in 2031, and the third boat in 2032.

The Suquamish

The last new vessel for Washington State Ferries, the Suquamish, began construction in May of 2015. It was delivered in 2018.